Introduction
In a significant turn of events, the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has decided to backtrack on its initial plan to mandate the use of the Ghana Card as the sole identification document for voter registration. This pivotal decision was reached during a recent Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting held in Accra, presided over by EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, according to reports from the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
A Prolonged Struggle for Electoral Reform
This marks the conclusion of a prolonged struggle by the EC to implement a Constitutional Instrument (CI) aimed at altering the rules governing voter identification in preparation for the upcoming December 7 general elections. The EC’s intention was to replace an existing CI that allowed the use of passports and a guarantor system for voter registration. The argument put forth was that the guarantor system was outdated and incapable of establishing a credible and reliable voter registration database.
Challenges and Opposition
However, this proposed move encountered various obstacles. The main opposition party accused the EC of using the reform as a political tool to favor the ruling party. Members of parliament also opposed the decision, expressing concerns that relying solely on the Ghana Card for voter registration would disenfranchise many potential voters. They criticized the move, citing the challenges faced by Ghanaians in obtaining the national digital ID card.
The Ghana National Identification Authority reported that just under 17.8 million Ghanaians have registered for their Ghana Card, with nearly 17.1 million having received them, while the country’s population is estimated to be close to 34 million.
Compromises and Alternative Measures
Representatives of political parties attending the meeting shared that the EC agreed to maintain the use of indelible ink for manual fingerprinting as an alternative for biometric voter verification. This decision came after concerns were raised earlier this year by the opposition about the proposed replacement of manual fingerprinting with electronic biometric verification.
Other crucial decisions made during the meeting included the extension of limited voter registration beyond district offices and the establishment of 4,000 new voter registration centers.
Shaping the Electoral Framework
The Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting served as a platform for the EC to unveil details of its electoral program, outlining the timeline for receiving candidatures for both parliamentary and presidential polls.
Conclusion
The Electoral Commission’s decision to abandon the exclusive use of the Ghana Card for voter registration signifies a resolution to a contentious issue. The compromises made during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting reflect a commitment to ensuring a fair and accessible electoral process for all eligible voters in Ghana. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, these developments play a pivotal role in shaping the framework for a transparent and inclusive democratic exercise.
FAQs
- Q: Why did the EC abandon the plan to make the Ghana Card the only identity credential for voter registration? A: The decision was reached during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting, considering concerns and opposition to the initial proposal.
- Q: What were the main concerns raised by the opposition and some MPs regarding the use of the Ghana Card? A: Critics argued that relying solely on the Ghana Card would disenfranchise many potential voters, citing challenges in obtaining the national digital ID card.
- Q: How many Ghanaians have registered for the Ghana Card, according to the National Identification Authority? A: Just under 17.8 million Ghanaians have registered, with nearly 17.1 million having received their Ghana Cards.
- Q: What alternative measures did the EC agree to for biometric voter verification? A: The EC agreed to maintain the use of indelible ink for manual fingerprinting as an alternative to electronic biometric verification.
- Q: What additional decisions were made during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting? A: The decisions included extending limited voter registration beyond district offices and establishing 4,000 new voter registration centers.
